What you need to do to open a joint savings account at Chase
To open a joint savings account at Chase, you and the other account owner go to a Chase branch together with two forms of ID each, or you can start the process online and finish it in the branch. Chase will ask both of you for your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. You'll choose how the account works — whether both of you can withdraw money independently, or whether you both have to agree before money leaves the account. The account opens the same day if you do it in person, or within a few business days if you start online.
You don't need a minimum deposit to open the account, though Chase may offer a bonus if you deposit a certain amount within the first few months. Both account owners will receive a debit card and online access, and both names appear on statements and tax forms.
Key Takeaways
- Both account owners must provide ID, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address — you can do this in person at a branch or start online and complete it in the branch.
- You decide together whether both owners can withdraw money independently or whether both must consent before withdrawals happen.
- The account opens the same day in person, or within a few business days if you start the process online.
- Both owners get a debit card, online banking access, and appear on all statements and tax documents.
- Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit, though promotional bonuses may require you to deposit a set amount within a timeframe.
What documents to bring to the branch
Bring two forms of ID for each person. Chase accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. At least one ID should have your photo on it. You'll also need your Social Security number — have it memorized or written down, as you'll need to provide it verbally or on a form.
If either of you has moved recently, bring a piece of mail showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Chase uses this to verify the address you give them. If you don't have a recent piece of mail, tell the banker when you arrive; they can sometimes verify your address through other means.
Deciding how the account will work
Chase offers two main ways to structure a joint account. With joint tenants with rights of survivorship, both owners can withdraw money, spend from the debit card, and make decisions about the account independently. If one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically owns the full account. This is the simpler setup and the one most couples choose.
The second option is tenants in common, where both owners can still access the money, but if one owner dies, their share goes to their estate rather than automatically to the other owner. This matters if you want your share to go to your children or another person instead of your account partner. Tenants in common is less common for everyday joint accounts and more common when people are pooling money for a specific purpose.
The banker will explain both options when you open the account. You don't have to decide before you arrive — you can ask questions and choose once you're there.
Opening the account online and finishing in the branch
If you start online, go to Chase.com, select "Open an account," and choose "Savings Account." You'll enter your information and the other owner's information. Chase will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and address for both people. You can complete the entire process online, but Chase will ask you to visit a branch within a set timeframe to verify your ID in person and sign final paperwork.
When you go to the branch, bring the two forms of ID for each person. The banker will check your IDs against what you entered online, answer any questions about how the account works, and you'll both sign the account agreement. The account becomes active that day, and you can use it when ready.
What happens after you open the account
Chase will mail debit cards to both owners at the address you provided. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can deposit money through Chase's mobile app, at an ATM, or at a branch. Both owners can set up online banking and mobile banking using their own username and password.
Both owners will receive statements — either by mail or email, depending on what you choose. Tax documents (like 1099 forms if you earn interest) go to the primary account owner, though both owners can see all account activity online. If you need to change how statements are sent or update contact information, either owner can do that through online banking or by calling Chase.
If one account owner wants to leave or change the account
If you want to remove someone from the account later, you'll need to go to a Chase branch together or have the person being removed sign a form. Chase doesn't allow one owner to remove the other owner online. You can convert a joint account to a single account, or you can close the joint account and open separate accounts instead.
If the account owner has died, the surviving owner should contact Chase with a death certificate. Chase will work with you to transfer the account to the surviving owner's name, depending on how the account was structured (joint tenants with rights of survivorship versus tenants in common).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account if we're not married?
Yes. Chase doesn't require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, friend, business partner, or anyone else. Both owners must provide ID and Social Security number regardless of your relationship.
What if one owner lives in a different state?
You can still open the account, but both owners need to visit a Chase branch in person to verify ID and sign paperwork. If that's not possible, contact Chase to ask about other options — some situations may allow you to complete verification by mail or video, though this varies by location.
Do we both have to be present when we open the account?
Yes, both owners must be present in the branch to verify ID and sign the account agreement. If you start online, you can do that separately, but you'll both need to come to the branch together to finish.
Can we set up the account so one person has to approve withdrawals?
No. Chase's joint account options don't include requiring both owners' approval for each withdrawal. Both owners have equal access and can withdraw money independently. If you need that level of control, you may want to speak with a banker about other account structures or products.
What if we want to add a third person to the account later?
Chase doesn't allow you to add a third owner to an existing joint account. You would need to close the account and open a new one with all three owners present, or keep the current account and open a separate account for the third person.